Administration removes fliers from Orientation packets

Late Wednesday afternoon, Provost Larry Nielsen informed Orientation workers that a decision had been made to remove Student Media fliers from the Orientation packets set to be distributed starting Thursday due to an "inappropriate" photo.

"I asked to have them taken out because it was inappropriate for Orientation," Nielsen said.

Nielsen said the decision was made around 3:30, and he informed Orientation representatives immediately after.

Technician Editor in Chief Tyler Dukes said one of the things he was most upset about was the timing of the situation.

"We turned the fliers in by deadline according to the guidelines," Dukes said. "They had two weeks to figure out if the material was good to go and now there is nothing Student Media can do before orientees get the packets."

The guidelines, given out by Gabe Wical, the assistant director of Orientation, give the sizes fliers need to be, the number needed and the time on which they must be delivered to Orientation representatives.

Student Media spent $2000 on the production of the fliers, according to Dukes, who said the Orientation representatives should be more clear on restrictions.

"We're trying to get people interested in joining Student Media and there's no way we can do anything before the first group of new students come in," Dukes said. "They don't think it's the image Student Media wants to send out. But, in my point of view, it's not their job to make those decisions."

According to Nielsen, "Anybody looking at [the flier] would see why it was inappropriate."

The image portrays Technician Copy Desk Chief Megan Riley being surrounded by streakers on St. Patrick's Day. Riley was doing a story on the streakers.

"It's a great and accurate representation of the things you'll see in college," Dukes said. "College is about a lot more than people think, and people learn that quickly. I still see things I never imagined I'd see when I walk around campus."

According to Dukes, Student Media sought legal advice from the Student Press Law Center, a group created for student journalists.

"We want to make sure the fliers are placed back in the bag or we are refunded the money," Dukes said. "I feel we were mistreated and feel we shouldn't have to pay $2000 and not be refunded. So we're pursuing that avenue."